Stress Awareness Month | What You Need To Know
Stress is a part of many of our lives and stress awareness month provides an opportunity for us to learn more about it, the methods we can use to prevent it and promote awareness.
In this blog we’ll dive into when we observe stress awareness month, what it is, why it’s important, and what employers can do to support it.
Contents
When is Stress Awareness Month?
What is Stress Awareness Month?
Why is Stress Awareness Month Important?
What Can Employers Do To Support Stress Awareness Month?
10 Company Stress Awareness Activities
When is Stress Awareness Month?
Stress Awareness Month is an annual event that is observed globally in April .
There is also National Stress Awareness day which takes place every first Wednesday of November each year.
What is Stress Awareness Month?
Stress Awareness Month was established in 1992 by the Health Resource Network, a non-profit organisation that promotes health and wellness.
It is a month used to raise awareness about the causes and effects of stress and to encourage people to take steps to manage their stress more effectively.
During this month, various organisations and individuals hold events or campaigns to educate people about stress and stress management techniques.
These may include talks, workshops, and other activities focused on reducing stress and promoting wellbeing.
The goal of Stress Awareness Month is to help people understand the importance of managing stress and to provide them with the resources and support they need to do so.
Why is Stress Awareness Month Important?
Stress Awareness Month is important because stress is a common and significant health concern that can have a negative impact on individuals physical and mental wellbeing.
Chronic stress has been linked to a range of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and depression, and it has also been shown to affect sleep, appetite, and overall quality of life.
By raising awareness about stress and its potential effects, Stress Awareness Month can help people recognise the signs of stress in themselves and others, and take steps to manage it more effectively.
This can include learning about stress management techniques such as relaxation techniques, exercise, and healthy coping mechanisms, as well as seeking support from friends, family, or healthcare professionals when needed.
By addressing stress, individuals and communities can work to improve their overall health and wellbeing.
What Can Employers Do To Support Stress Awareness Month?
There are several things that employers can do to support Stress Awareness Month, some of these are:
Educate Employees About Stress and Stress Management
Employers can provide information to employees about the causes and effects of stress, as well as techniques for managing stress. This could include resources such as flyers, posters, or newsletters.
Encourage Employees To Take Breaks
Employers can encourage employees to take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge.
This could include encouraging employees to take breaks or leave the office to go for a walk.
Companies may also provide quiet spaces or meditation areas for employees to use.
Fostering A Culture Of Work-Life Balance
Employers can promote work-life balance by encouraging employees to take time off when needed, providing flexible work arrangements, and promoting the importance of self-care.
Work-life balance should be commended and not frowned upon.
Offer Stress Management Resources
Employers can provide resources such as counseling services or wellness programs to help employees manage stress.
Stress management resources can also include wellbeing workshops, webinars or other forms of employee training.
Encourage Open Communication
Employers can encourage employees to openly communicate about their stress levels and any challenges they may be facing.
This can help identify potential stressors and find ways to address them.
As an employee you should always feel comfortable to communicate with your boss.
By taking these steps, employers can support Stress Awareness Month and help create a healthier and more supportive work environment for their employees.
10 Company Stress Awareness Activities
Here are some employee stress awareness activities that employers can consider:
1. On-site Yoga
Yoga can help reduce stress by promoting relaxation and mindfulness.
The physical practice of yoga involves deep breathing, stretching, and movement, which can help reduce tension in the body and mind.
2. Employee Massage
Massage can help reduce stress by promoting relaxation and improving circulation.
Employee massage is a lovely way to support employee stress and employees genuinely love it.
There are a range of benefits when it comes to massage, including reducing tension, tightness and stress.
3. Coping With Stress Webinar
A webinar on coping with stress can provide employees with information about the causes and effects of stress, as well as techniques for managing it. This can help employees better understand stress and find ways to manage it more effectively.
4. Meditation Sessions
Reducing stress and focusing the mind is something that can definitely be achieved by meditating.
Meditation is a relaxation technique that can help reduce stress by focusing the mind and promoting mindfulness.
It’s been shown to improve focus, concentration, and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.
5. Coping With Stress Workshop
A workshop on coping with stress can provide employees with in-depth information about stress and stress management techniques. This can help employees learn skills to manage stress and improve overall well-being.
6. Mindfulness Sessions
Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment and accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
7. Fitness Class
Regular physical activity can help reduce stress and improve overall health. A fitness class can provide a structured and supportive environment for employees to engage in physical activity and manage stress.
8. Boxing Session
Physical activity, such as boxing, can help reduce stress by releasing endorphins, which are chemicals that can help improve mood. Boxing can also provide an outlet for frustration and aggression, which can help reduce stress.
9. Live Music show
Listening to live music can be a enjoyable and stress-reducing activity. Music can help improve mood and provide a sense of enjoyment and relaxation.
10. Motivational Speaker
A motivational speaker can provide employees with inspiration and guidance on how to manage stress and achieve personal and professional goals. This can help employees feel motivated and supported in managing stress and improving overall well-being.
By offering these types of activities, employers can help support employees in managing stress and promoting overall well-being.
Author –
Tyler Lowe – Health & Wellbeing Speaker
BSc Sport & Exercise Rehabilitation
